City Group Leader calls for Police action on mini-motos

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 24th Oct 2006

Cllr Hereward Cooke, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on the City Council has called for urgent police action to stop the mini-motorbike menace before an accident happens.

"The public nuisance of mini-motos in residential areas such as Lakenham and other parts of Norwich has gone on long enough, " he said. "It ought to be curbed by strong action from the police who have the powers to do so.

"The police have powers to confiscate these pint-sized vehicles and even to crush them if necessary. They can also put points on the future driving licence of a person too young to hold a licence. The powers are there and they ought to be used.

"The riding of these motor cycles on pavements and in public places causes dismay to pedestrians and residents alike. They represent an accident waiting to happen.

"There is also a danger to mini-moto drivers themselves when they cannot control the vehicle, " Cllr Cooke said. "And I am told that the fuel tank is not designed to withstand an impact. All in all these are dangerous machines in the hands of reckless drivers.

"I would encourage residents to report the whereabouts of these machines to the police and to their local councillor so that firm action can be taken," said Cllr Cooke who is a Liberal Democrat councillor for Lakenham.